Widespread debt slavery created by an insane banking system is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems we all face.
This video animation, Money as Debt by Paul Grignon, is undoubtedly one the most important films ever made.
If you don't yet understand why money is such a big problem, WATCH THIS VIDEO.
Please help spread this video far and wide.
I've embedded it here, but you can watch and download it on Google Video too.
Further introductory reading
Ecology of Money and Short … [Read more...]

So, we're both a day late, but Gloria and I somehow decided that every day in May was going to be inspirational!
Each day Gloria will a post about an inspirational person, and I'll highlight an inspirational project. Her first person is Maya Angelou, and my first project is...
Transition Towns
The Transition Towns project was initiated by permaculture teacher of 10 years, Rob Hopkins.
Focussing on the central issues of peak oil and climate change, Transition Towns are "towns that are … [Read more...]

Last night, when I should've been asleep, I watched these video clips and was left totally inspired. :)
I strongly encourage you to watch them too. Its great stuff!
You should also buy the book:
[amtap book:isbn=1887208070]
UPDATE: The book in bullet points from David Korten's new site:
"The Great Turning provides a powerful framework for understanding our time within a deep historical context and for defining the collective choice we must now make as a species. These are the … [Read more...]

UPDATE: the first Commons Creation meeting was held at Limehouse Town Hall on Sunday 21st January, 2007. A copy of the presentation given can be downloaded here as a PDF (1.1Mb) file. Enjoy! :)
Introduction
The Commons Creation Collective is all about harnessing the wealth and power of our networks and working together to raising funds and awareness.
It will initially bring together conscious event organisers, radial media publishers, and their supporters, to collaborate on two complementary … [Read more...]

Interdependence Day, 1st July 2006, Royal Geographic Society, London
Renga Platform Poetry
A renga is a series of short verses linked into one long poem, composed collaboratively by a group. It is a wonderful, reflective experience which draws inspiration from the seasons and our changing relationships with the natural world. We will be writing a Nijuin (20 verse) renga which takes a day to write.
Join Artists Alex Finlay and Anne-Marie Culhane for an interdependent poem, people are … [Read more...]

What to do when systems resist change; an excerpt from Donella Meadows's unfinished last book.
By Donella Meadows
(Whole Earth Winter 2001)
Quick Summary of Points.
Get the beat.
Listen to the wisdom of the system.
Expose your mental models to the open air.
Stay humble. Stay a learner.
Honor and protect information.
Locate responsibility in the system.
Make feedback policies for feedback systems.
Pay attention to what is important, not just what is quantifiable.
Go for the good of … [Read more...]

Permaculture (permanent agriculture) is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally production ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way. Without permanent agriculture there is no possibility of stable social order. - Bill Mollison, Permaculture: A Designers' … [Read more...]

Versions of this piece have been published in Whole Earth, winter 2001 and The Systems Thinker, Vol. 13, No. 2 (March 2002).
The Dance
1. Get the beat.
2. Listen to the wisdom of the system.
3. Expose your mental models to the open air.
4. Stay humble. Stay a learner.
5. Honor and protect information.
6. Locate responsibility in the system.
7. Make feedback policies for feedback systems.
8. Pay attention to what is important, not … [Read more...]

I think this is probably the best introduction to Planet Earth I've ever read. Here is my one page edit...
Earth is Whole
Earth is not flat. Earth is much more than round. Earth is whole.
"Earth is Whole" means that all the planet's physical features and living organisms are interconnected. They work together in important and meaningful ways. The clouds, oceans, mountains, volcanoes, plants, bacteria and animals all play important roles in determining how our planet works.
Systems … [Read more...]